Don Bosco’s Love for the Missionaries

Don Bosco’s Love for the Missionaries

“You shouldn’t go to the missions”.  These were the words of Fr Cafasso to Don Bosco. Don Bosco wanted to be a missionary but his confessor didn’t allow him. His heroic zeal for the salvation of souls brought forth abundant fruit through the work done by his sons. His desire was to carry the light of the Gospel where the peaceful voice of missionaries had never been heard.

In 1873, in his dream, he saw himself standing on an open plain in an unknown land. In the distance he could see mountains. He could see a group of men strongly built and almost naked. Their garments were of animal skins and they also had spears and catapults. After some time, he saw missionaries. They were Jesuits, Franciscans and of other religious orders. They came to preach Jesus but they were killed by these savages.

After some time, he saw young missionaries approaching, singing and laughing. As they came nearer they seemed to be Salesian priests and clerics. Don Bosco went to warn them but to his surprise the savages dropped their weapons and went arms outstretched towards them. They started listening to them and practiced what they were told. Later they started singing the hymns to Mary and the dream ended. Don Bosco was anxious to locate this place. But after many years of search he finally ended the search in 1874. The counsel of the Argentine Republic asked Don Bosco to send his missionaries. When he studied the land, he found the inhabitants of that place called Patagonia, were the same as those in the dream. After all the permission was granted. Four days before they started out, Don Bosco called them all together . They were 6 priests and 4 lay brothers. He addressed them in the following words: “You must go to the Pope and beg for the Apostolic Benediction to preach the Gospel of God.” His Holiness received them with warmth and affection.

On November 11, 1876, was the farewell celebration. Don Bosco preached a sermon in the basilica of Mary Help of Christians. “Search not for money, honours or dignities – but only for souls. Take special care of sick and the children and poor and aged, and God will bless you. Constantly recommend devotion to Mary Help of Christians and Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.”